Drug diversion

Nurses Recovery

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I'm a travel RN currently in CA, from AZ originally, and have been traveling only a couple of months. I got caught up diverting drugs and got caught at work. I wasn't high or anything while at work, just enjoyed it in my free time. Since then I had been fired from the previous company, but have signed up with another company and have been working for about 3 weeks. I haven't heard anything from the board but I assume it's just a matter of time before I do. At this point idk if I should just continue to work and wait or if I should contact the BON? Will it make a difference if I self refer myself to a program or just wait to hear from them? Not sure if I am even a candidate for the program? I also wonder if I end up in some kind of diversion program am I able to go back home to az or do I have to stay in CA now? Any idea how long it will take for them to contact me? Any chance they might not?

Any information can help and I would really appreciate it. Thank you

Did you end up getting any information on this post? My situation is almost identical to yours except for the differences in states.

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The lawyers you contacted... were they criminal lawyers or were they nurse license lawyers that specialize in the BON for California? They are two totally different things.

In general, if you self report and your state has an alternative to discipline, it is best to self report (and sign up for some years of drug tests) to avoid having any permanent marks on your license.

I have heard of it taking as long as a year before getting a letter from the BON. If CA has an alternative to discipline, I wouldn't wait because they usually want you to self report as soon as possible to qualify. All states handle this differently so definately contact a lawyer who deals with the BON and nurse licenses for CA.

Also, it is rare for criminal charges to be involved, but when they are, it typically happens immediately...like the day you are caught. So I would think it is unlikely at this point.

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Specializes in ER.

Was there any more info on this? I am in a identical situation

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Get a good lawyer

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